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Nonhazardous Urine Pretreatment Method for Future Exploration Systems

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX09CB07C
Agency Tracking Number: 074285
Amount: $600,000.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: X3.02
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2007
Award Year: 2009
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2009-02-03
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2011-02-02
Small Business Information
PO Box 609
Myrtle Creek, OR 97457-0102
United States
DUNS: 068766781
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 James Akse
 Principal Investigator
 (541) 863-2653
 akse@urcmail.net
Business Contact
 John Aker
Title: Business Official
Phone: (541) 863-2655
Email: aker@urcmail.net
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

A nonhazardous urine pretreatment system prototype is proposed that will stabilize urine against biological growth or chemical instabilities without using hazardous chemicals. Untreated urine fosters biological growth, ammonia off-gassing, creation of bio-solids, and inorganic precipitates, which foul water and air reclamation hardware. The current Russian system employs hexavalent chromium, a strong oxidant and carcinogen, and sulfuric acid to stabilize urine (pH=1.8), while the future American system utilizes Oxone„¥, a strong oxidant, potassium hydrogen sulfate, and potassium benzoate to stabilize urine (pH=2.4). Urine stabilized by these methods requires triple and double containment, respectively. Chemical storage, handling, and delivery of pretreatment chemicals are also problematic due to their hazardous nature and low pH, which significantly increases Equivalent System Mass. The proposed prototype will utilize non-oxidizing biocides in combination with nontoxic and noncorrosive solid phase urine acidification to stabilize urine at much higher pHs (3.6-5.5). This approach has stabilized urine effectively for over 57 days during the Phase 1 program. The innovative prototype will fulfill an unmet need for safe, efficient, automated urine pretreatment for current and future NASA missions. The Phase 2 project will automate the nonhazardous urine pretreatment system, and deliver a fully functional Prototype suitable for testing at NASA facilities.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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